The Year of the Ninja: Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi Return to Nintendo Switch in 2025

2025 to Mark Major Comebacks for Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi on Nintendo Switch Ninja games are poised to make a dynamic return in 2025, with classic franchises Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi stepping back into the limelight on the Nintendo Switch.

With highly anticipated new entries—Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound from Koei Tecmo and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance—players and longtime fans can look forward to an exciting resurgence of 2D action-platformers that helped define console gaming history. Koei Tecmo, the developer renowned for the original Ninja Gaiden series, has declared 2025 as the "Year of the Ninja." This signifies a renewed focus on both celebrating past glories and delivering fresh experiences for modern audiences.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound introduces a new chapter in Ryu Hayabusa's legendary journey.

Designed specifically to hone the classic fast-paced combat and challenging platforming, the game offers nods to the series’ roots while leveraging the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch, including HD visuals and improved performance. Similarly, Sega’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance brings the historic franchise back to the spotlight with intense side-scrolling action and modernized visuals.

Both franchises were pivotal in shaping the action-platformer genre during the 8 and 16-bit console eras, when titles like Ninja Gaiden, Shinobi, and Strider captured the imagination of players worldwide. Speaking about the renewed focus, a representative at Koei Tecmo shared that the company is committed to honoring the legacy of classic ninja games while delivering innovation and excitement for a new generation of gamers.

“We aim to blend nostalgia with modern gameplay advancements to ensure both longtime fans and newcomers to the series have something remarkable to experience,” the statement summarized. These high-profile returns reflect a broader trend of revitalizing beloved retro franchises on current-generation platforms.

Nintendo Switch, in particular, remains a strong platform for such releases, with its extensive library on the eShop attracting both collectors and new players.

The combination of portable and home console play makes the Switch an ideal showcase for such legacy action-platformers. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance are both slated for release on Nintendo Switch in 2025.

While specific details on release dates and additional features will be revealed in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, both titles are expected to capitalize on the nostalgia for 2D ninja action games while pushing the genre forward. As ninja games reclaim their place at the forefront of gaming culture, 2025 stands to be a landmark year for fans and developers alike.

The resurgence of these classic series not only pays tribute to gaming history, but also reinvigorates the genre for future generations.

For ongoing coverage, reviews, and retrospectives on Ninja Gaiden, Shinobi, and other iconic ninja games, stay tuned to future updates and join the conversation on social media.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Koei Tecmo Switch Shinobi Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Koei Vengeance Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Ninja Gaiden Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Shinobi Art of Vengeance